life lessons for alexander...

The time we have spent with this little baby as a volunteer for R.O.O.M.  Honduras has been transforming.  It is difficult for my heart to grasp the reality that our presence in his life may just be for a season and that his forever mama has been praying for him and waiting for him.  I have been preparing my kids as well for this fact...so last night we started collecting life lessons from the kids that they would want to share with him for later in life.  Oliver Jack was, surprisingly, the largest contributor to this list...who knew he was so full of wisdom?!

1. It is okay to eat food, but it is not okay to eat trash.
2. It is a good thing eat ice cream, but not all the time.
3. It is okay to play with action figures, but it is not okay to eat them.
4. It is okay to look at babies, but it is not okay to eat babies.
5. It is okay to cry, but you have to stop sometimes.
6. It is okay to not brush your teeth for one night, but not every night.
7. It is okay to look at pictures, but it is not okay to pull them down off the wall.
8. It is okay to wear glasses if you can't see. Or not.
9. It is okay to stand in front of a fan if you are hot, but it is not okay to put your hand inside the fan.
10. It is okay to play with toy weapons, but not real weapons.
11. It is okay to look at lightbulbs, but it is not okay to touch them. Just don't do it.
12. It is okay to ride inside of cars, but it is not okay to ride on top of a car.
13. Never, ever pull on a shelf.
14. It is okay to wash your body with soap, but don't eat the soap.
15. Never get a viscous pet.
16. Don't bite yourself. Or give yourself a hickey. Better yet, don't put your mouth on your body.
17. All men look good with a beard.
18. Never use the expression, "have a cow" because it is very confusing...
19. Never take a paci out of a baby's mouth.
20. The good choice is to do your homework, the bad choice is to eat your homework.
21. It is okay to feed chickens corn, but not babies, humans, or dogs.
22. Never call someone fat.
23. Be careful not to mumble. 
24. Don't punch people.
25. Or point at people.
26. It is okay to turn on a chandelier, but it is not okay to jump off a chair and swing on a chandelier.
27. It is not okay to kill an animal or insect that is minding it's own business.
28. Always flush the toilet, unless your toothbrush is in it.  
29. You can look at monsters, but don't say that you hate monsters because then they will eat you.
30. Always do your best. Unless you are being disrespectful.  Then don't do your best at that.
31. Whenever you wear a bathing suit don't wear your underwear if that is the only pair you have.  
32. You can ride a horse, but a horse cannot ride you.
33. It is okay to play with monkeys a little bit but not a whole lot because they might mess you up.
34. Never push a car that is out of gas up a hill because it might roll backwards down the hill.
35. It's okay to shave a people's hair how they want it, but it's not okay to shave a person's hair if you don't have their permission.

My only contribution to this list is to remember that you are loved.  

Since arriving here a little over a week ago, I have realized even more the work that is being done here in Honduras.  Just this morning, Tara and Jorge are off to the office of child services here to try and get 5 children that are not thriving in the orphanage in hopes of helping them get stronger, healthier, and ready for their permanent homes.  

Just this week, a little boy living in Tara's house had to have an emergency surgery to remove his infected appendix as well as a cyst the size of an orange on his appendix.  All of these children have to have diapers, formula, car seats, doctor's visits...everything that is necessary for babies to receive excellent care.  If you feel God calling you to help support the work of the Garcia's in Honduras, please visit the website www.makeroom.org
We are so thankful for everyone that continues to support our family and our ability to serve in Honduras as well as Costa Rica.